We were created to sleep.

I love to sleep. So it's no surprise really that I created a kiddo that loves to sleep too. And I probably did take for granted how quickly and easily she started sleeping through the night; with only a handful of exceptions, she's gotten a consistent, unbroken 9-10 hours of sleep every night since she was 10 weeks old. Before you hate on me, though, keep in mind I have another one coming in a few months....and I hear they are never the same. ;)

On the spiritual side, I do think it's interesting that God created us to sleep. His Word tells us that He created us in His image, yet also tells us that He never slumbers nor sleeps. Of all the things He chose to make us "human," I wonder why sleep was important to Him. I wonder why He felt the need to create the concept of "sleep."

Whatever the reasons, it's obvious that we DO need it. And that we suffer without it. And that we can choose to honor God with it in the same way we can choose to honor God with other daily activities (eating, drinking, working, playing, etc). D.A. Carson says:

"Doubt may be fostered by sleep deprivation. If you keep burning the candle at both ends, sooner or later you will indulge in more and more mean cynicism—and the line between cynicism and doubt is a very thin one. Of course, different individuals require different numbers of hours of sleep: moreover, some cope with a bit of tiredness better than others. Nevertheless, if you are among those who become nasty, cynical, or even full of doubt when you are missing your sleep, you are morally obligated to try to get the sleep you need. We are whole, complicated beings; our physical existence is tied to our spiritual well-being, to our mental outlook, to our relationships with others, including our relationship with God. Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is get a good night’s sleep—not pray all night, but sleep. I’m certainly not denying that there may be a place for praying all night; I’m merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you get the sleep your body need. (Scandalous, 147)